Boathouse Rotisserie And Raw Bar is on Riverside Drive. Click to enlarge.
photo by Janet Wilson
The restaurant we’ve (at least us Canyon Grill fans) all been waiting for has finally opened – the Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar has opened at 1011 Riverside Drive, facing the Tennessee River.
The restaurant has an “open” feel about it – and the tables are far enough apart to allow for conversation. When you first enter the bar is directly to your left – and there you will notice something very unusual – ice – dropping from the ceiling. Yes, ice is dropping from a pipe in the ceiling, dropping into a large vat behind the bar.
For a short period of time, the Boathouse is working with a limited menu in an effort to sort of “find their way” with what the customers want. Of course, even on a limited menu you will find some delectable items (but no desserts as yet), including the specialty, wood spit roasted chicken. If you are familiar with Canyon Grill, I’m sure you know about the famous Haygood Original Hickory Wood Grill.
The list of appetizers (five) offered some wonderful choices such as Gulf Oysters, Col Water Oysters, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Matagorda Bay Fire Roasted Oysters with Garlic Butter and Pepper, and Wood Grilled Quesadillas with Chicken or Pork. Wayne ordered the Quesadillas ($8.75) and I ordered the Fire Roasted Oysters ($6.95). Everything was absolutely delicious.
They offered two salads – a Chicken Salad salad with grapes, apples, and pecans on Romaine and a Crispy Cold Iceberg with dry aged bacon, tomatoes and chunky blue dressing – both priced at $6.95. The only thing about the salads is that there isn’t a small dinner salad offered – that will probably be on the full menu being prepared.
The Boathouse listed five sandwiches (all served with Olive Fries) and priced at $7.95 with the exception of the Shrimp Po’Boy at $10.50. You could order Roasted Chicken Salad, Roasted Chicken, Havana Fresh Pork, Texas brisket or a Catfish Po’Boy.
All entrees are also served with the Olive Fries (Olive Oil Fried Potatoes) and include the Wood Spit Roasted ½ Chicken with Romesco and Margarita Sauce; Brisket with au just and horseradish sauce, Fresh Smoked Pork with Grilled Scallions and Margarita Sauce; Fried Catfish; and Fried Shrimp – all priced at $10.50 with the exception of the Shrimp which is $18.50.
Wayne ordered the Chicken while I ordered the Catfish. We both enjoyed the food very much. I must have gotten at least five pieces of catfish and I substituted the fries for the Dill Potato Salad, which I enjoyed. Wayne found the chicken to be tasty, juicy and just a hint of smoke-flavor – just the way he likes it.
To round out the Boathouse temporary menu, in addition to the fries and potato salad, they offer Black Beans, Island Slaw, Sweet Potato roasted in the ashes and a wedge of iceburg crispy cold with chunky blue dressing.
We highly recommend the Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw bar – even with the temporary menu. In talking with the owner, we learned they have many plans for the future to truly enhance the food. They’re even thinking about a large rotisserie with a pig!! Something to really look forward to.
Get your orders ready – the new Adventures Coupon Books are coming – just a few short weeks.
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